indexical

1 of 2

adjective

in·​dex·​i·​cal (ˌ)in-ˈdek-si-kəl 

1

: of or relating to an index

2

a

: varying in reference with the individual speaker

the indexical words I, here, now

b

: associated with or identifying an individual speaker

indexical features of speech

indexical

2 of 2

noun

: an indexical word, sign, or feature

Examples of indexical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

His radical manipulation of darkroom techniques—through multiple exposures, tonal reversals, under- and overexposures—pushing the indexical image toward disintegration, was unprecedented. — Florian Ebner, Artforum, 2 Nov. 2025

Though the technology powering photography has changed significantly—lighter weight cameras, DSLRs, Photoshop, sharper lenses, smartphones with front-facing cameras—its images are still indexical, traces of what is or has been there. — Emmanuel Iduma, ARTnews.com, 21 Mar. 2025

Then there are deictic or indexical gestures, which can happen either with or without vocal speech. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 19 June 2024

So these glimpses of color are both metaphors for things in life and small indexical signs of how Scully creates those illusions. — Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 27 May 2022

In both documentary and video journalism, the indexical power of cameras can be harnessed as weapons for truth and shine a light in the darkest of places. — Sara Merican, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1971, in the meaning defined above